John Lennon makes his only major appearance at a concert in New York's Madison Square Garden for the One To One charity. Critics regard it as his first solo performance. He is joined on stage by Stevie Wonder (Superstitious) and Roberta Flack for Give Peace A Chance finale.The re-election of Nixon in 1972 and pressures to have Lennon deported from America were perhaps contributory factors to the political commitment which was the driving-force behind Some Time In New York City (in America this double album, Lennon teams for one disk with group Elephant's Memory). July, 1972 : album makes US #48. The Beatles' song publishing arm, Northern Songs, refuses to recognize some of Yoko Ono's composer credits with her husband, and release of the album is delayed in UK.

Lyrics about the oppression of women, the Attica prison riots and Northern Ireland were attacked as simplistic and extremist, but the album/LP's powerful musical impact was enhanced by spirited rock'n'roll backings from the New York group Elephant's Memory. It was packaged with a second record containing material from two live sessions, with the Frank Zappa's The Mothers Of Invention and a 1969 band, at London's Lyceum, including Eric Clapton, Keith Moon and Delaney and Bonnie (Lynn) Bramlett.

October, 1972 : Some Time In New York City reaches UK #11. Also known as LIVE in NEW YORK City for CDs (PARLOPHONE CDP 7 461196 2, UK, 1986). We all shine on...John Lennon. R.I.P.

02/03/2013

Marie Dionne Warrick became Warwick because of a mistyping. She was born Marie Dionne Warrick in East Orange, New Jersey, December 12, 1940.***Daughter of Chess Records' gospel promotion department head, was a regular performer, playing piano with The Drinkard Singers gospel group, managed by her mother.***She formed The Gospelaires, with sister Dee Dee, cousin Cissy Houston and friend Doris Troy, and they sang in churches throughout New York and New Jersey.***Soulful recorded in Memphis, Tenn. with producer Chips Moman, reached US #11 and US R&B #2. However this album failed to chart in UK.***This album features three Beatles' songs : We Can Work It Out, A Hard Day's Night and Hey Jude.***16 tracks CD : 10 songs + 6 extra tracks) original recordings re-issued by DISKY DCD 5401 DW, France/ The Netherlands, 1994 to become a satellite of the UK major EMI later in the 90s. Original US Scepter Records SPS 573, 1969/1/1. ***Dionne studied at Hart college of Music in Hartford, Conn., before joining Cissie Houston as backing vocalists on records by Garnet Mimms, the Drifters and others. Her first solo disc was Burt Bacharach's haunting "Don't Make Me Over", which reached No. 21 on Scepter Records in 1962 but failed the UK TOP 20 best-selling singles.

Dionne Warwick was Bacharach's Muse for a long time.

Track list as follows: You've lost that lovin' feelin' (5/69) - I'm your puppet (3/69) - The look of love (1969) - Make it easy on yourself (11/63) - People got to be free (5/69) - You're all I need to get by (5/69) - We can work it pout (5/69) - Try to remember/live (1968) - I love you Porgy (Dec. 21, 1965) - Reach out (10/64) - Hurt so bad (1972) - A hard day's night (5/69) - Do right woman-do right man (5/69) - I've been loving you too long (5/69) -People get ready (5/69) - Hey Jude (5/1969.)

10 May 1954 & 28 May 1955 (DECCA 9-29124) - January 1960: on the LP Bill Haley and His Comets (WB WS 1378) ["sans sax" version] - México, Orfeón 1429, 1964; (DIMSA DML 8381, 1966, "clapping hands" version) [CD The Magic Collection/Telesonic Holland/ARC records MEC 949078, UK, 1983] January 1966: Bill Haley y sus Cometas (song aka Al Compás Del Reloj not to be confounded with another Bill's song dating from 1961 - Sonet, Sweden, September 1968 (Biggest Hits (re-recorded), Grand Prix GP-9945/UK pickwick records 1968 and March 1976 - re-recorded again (and only released round two years ago) as the opening theme from the T.V. series Happy Days in 1974 and 1975.***RATC re-charts in UK at #12 and in US at #39, both in April 1974.

03/10/2012

The Feelies began playing together in 1976 in a band called the Outkids (Glenn Mercer-gtrs, vcls, keys, percussion; Bill Million-gtrs, vcls, bs; Dave Weckerman-drums) which evolved into the Feelies with the addition of Vinny DeNunzio on drums and John Papesca on bass. They signed to Stiff Records in early 1980. Exit Dave Weckerman.

The Feelies are an American rock band from Haledon, NJ. They formed in 1976 and disbanded in 1992. The Feelies never sold a great number of this album (and also the 3 others up to 1992), their influence was felt on the indie rock scene. The band's name is taken from a fictional entertainment device described in Aldous Huxley's Brave New World.

The Beatles song is taken from the (vinyl) album "Crazy Rhythms" (aka "the feelies")released by Stiff America USE 4 in April 1980.

December 1966: The first Jimi Hendrix Experience single, a cover of The Leaves hit [Hey Joe, Where You Gonna Go, 1965] (althought Hendrix prefers Tim Rose's version [Hey Joe (You Shot Your Woman Down, 1967)]), Hey Joe, is released on Polydor after being rejected by DECCA.

Sept 28: Pathologist Professor Donald Teale reports death is due to inhalation of vomit due to barbiturate intoxication.

Oct 1: Hendrix is buried in the Greenwood cemetery at the Dunlap Baptist church, where his aunt played organ during his childhood, in his hometown of Seattle, with fellow musicians i.a Eric Clapton, Miles Davis, Johnny Winter, Jim Gordon, Eric Burdon and Buddy Miles in attendance.

Feb 1972: Hendrix In The West, a collection of live performances, recorded at the Berkeley Community Center, San Diego Sports Arena and the Isle of Wight Festival, highlighted by a version of Chuck Berry's Johnny B. Goode which makes UK #35, hits UK #7 in the album chart and US#12 (Pop and R&B charts). It is assembled by producer Alan Douglas which includes The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Jimi was performing the title track in concert, first for an audience that included Harrison and McCartney, who where very impressed by his unique version of their song and his ability to learn it so quickly.) Personnel: Jimi Hendrix - gtr, vcls; Mitch Mitchell, drums and Billy Cox, bs. http://youtu.be/e8HCHIDXyXs (Sgt. Pepper)

29/09/2012

1960: Blind since birth, Stevie Wonder (b. Steveland Hardaway Judkins, May 13, 1950, Saginaw, Michigan, a member of the Whitestone Baptist Church Choir with his mother, 4 brothers and sister, is recommended by friend John Glover (with whom he has formed a duo) to Glover's cousin Miracle Ronnie White, who takes Wonder to meet Motown Records' president, Berry Gordy, and producer, Brian Holland. Gordy signs the child prodigy to a long-term contract with Tamla label.

May 21, 1963: A S. Wonder concert is recorded in Detroit for forthcoming 12 Year Old Genius.

Aug. 1963: Fourth single, Fingertips-Pt.2 sells over a million and tops the US chart, the first live record to do so. Recorded Live - The 12 Year Old Genius tops the US chart. Wonder becomes the first artist to top the Hot 100, R&B Singles and Album charts simultaneously.

Nov. 1968: Wonder, credited as EIVETS REDNOW, reaches US #66 with Alfie, a piano instrumental. (He also records an instrumental album under this reversal of his own name.)

Jan.10, 1970: Wonder is awarded 1969 Show Business Inspiration Award by Fight For Sight, which promotes research into eye diseases.

May 13, 1971: We can work it out, a revival of Lennon/McCartney's song, reaches US #13 and UK #27, taken from the Motown Records album "Signed Sealed & Delivered" released on 1970/08/07, set to make US #25. US references i.a: Tamla TS304 / S-304; UK Tamla/Motown STMS 5025 / STML 11169; FR EMI/Tamla 066 - 91797 (all in 1970 except the last French LP in 1978) and also released in Germany on Bellaphon 230 15 005, 1975...

26/09/2012

1963: Chér (b. Cherilyn Sarkisian LaPiere, May 20, 1946, El Centro, CA) having moved to Los Angeles, to attend acting classes, meets Sonny Bono who is working for Phil Spector.

1964: Chér and Sonny marry in Tijuana, Mexico.

1973: Chér signs to MCA Records and records The Beatles' The Long And Winding Road featured on her vinyl album Half-Breed, UK MCA Records, MCF 2501, 1973. Produced by Snuff Garrett and Sonny Bono. The UK pressing is the original incarnation of the HALF-BREED vinyl LP released in 1973 and released again in 1975 and 1979.

Oct.6, 1973: Single Half-Breed b/w The long and winding road published only in Spain on MCA Records SN-20 825, 1973, written specifically for Chér by Mary Dean and Al Capps, and produced by Garrett who knows it to be a smash, is Chér's first single release for MCA. It tops US chart for 2 weeks and sells over a million, but makes no chart impression in UK. Album of the same title peaks at US #28.

25/09/2012

October 9, 1969: Debut album Offering is released including a cover of The Beatles' Ticket To Ride.

May 1970: Debut single Ticket To Ride (A&M 4205), makes US #54.

March 1971: Debut album Offering, retitled Ticket To Ride peaks at US Top 200 #150 and #19 in Australia.

April 1972: Ticket To Ride hits the UK chart at #20.

1968: When Wes Jacobs leaves to study music, Karen and Richard form Spectrum (not to be confused with the UK group) with John Bettis, a friend of Richard's from California State college.

Despite support gigs at Disneyland, the Troubadour and the Whiskey-A-Go-Go, the band is short-lived, but the duo perseveres and records some tracks in the home of top Los Angeles session bassist Joe Osborn, which reach A&M label boss Herb Alpert.

24/09/2012

Karen Carpenter (b. Mar.2, 1950, New Haven, Connecticut), vocals, drums and her brother Richard (b. Oct.15, 1946, New Haven, CT), keyboards, vocals having relocated from New Haven to Downey, CA in 1967, form a jazz trio with tuba/bass player Wes Jacobs. They perform The Girl From Ipanema and Iced Tea and are spotted by RCA A&R chief Neely Plumb who signs them to the label as The Richard Carpenter Trio. They cut 4 tracks which are never released.

1970 : new topic to come soon. Dec. 1973: The Singles 1969-1973 featuring 12 hits including a new cover of The Beatles' Ticket To Ride, is released (and will eventually top both US and UK charts.) The Carpenters musicians who plays on the 1973 track are Tony Peluso, guitars / Joe Osborn, bass /David Duke, French horn / Richard Carpenter and her sister Karen, backing vocals, Karen Carpenter, drums / Richard Carpenter, keyboards. Engineered by Ray Gerhardt. Richard Carpenter: "I happened to hear the Beatles' "Ticket To Ride" being played as an "oldie" one day in early 1969 and upon hearing it this particular time, decided the tune would make a nice ballad. We chose the resulting recording as our debut single. Released in October of 1969, it remains one of my favorite Carpenter's recordings. In 1973, Karen re-recorded her drums and lead vocal on the track for its inclusion in the Singles 1969-1973 album. (Karen was not satisfied with her original performances.) Guitars were added at the same time. This is the 1973 version." 1994/09/21: INTERPRETATIONS CARPENTERS - A 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION is first released by A&M Records 540 251-2 afterwards by Universal Music on 2001/01/29. Produced by Jack Daugherty - Arranged by Richard Carpenter.

22/09/2012

Shirley Bassey (b. Jan.8, 1937, Tiger Bay, Cardiff, South Wales - present). In early 1970, she records the famous and wonderful George Harrison's song Something (UK UNITED ARTISTS UP 35 125, 05/1970) which hits the UK chart at #4 on 15.08.1970. Her version is arranged , conducted and produced by Johnny Harris and Tony Colton. Other references and chart positions :

07/09/2012

1968: Sayer (b. Gerard Hugh Sayer, May 21, 1948, Shoreham-by-Sea, Sussex-present), having studied at Worthing Art College, W.Sussex, and worked in London as a magazine illustrator, playing harmonica in folk clubs by night, returns to Sussex after a nervous breakdown, and works in a factory while starting to write songs.

22.11.1975: Let It Be is released in UK and IRL by Chrysalis CHS 2080.

06/09/2012

UK DLP Riva RVLP 2, Nov.5, 1976, UK chart highest position #23 - US Double album 20th Century 2T - 522, Dec.31, 1975 - CAN Warner Bros. Records 2U 4739, 1976 - GER Warner Bros. WB 66 049, 12/1976. Arranged and orchestrated by Wil Malone. The London Symphony Orchestra is conducted by Harry Rabinowitz, and The Royal Philarmonic by David Measham. Some original picture sleeves : Michelle by Richard Cocciante (taken from the DLP) [RCA Victor PB 10867, France, 1976; Let It Be [new topic to come] by Leo Sayer who also contributes I Am The Walrus and The Long And Winding Road (UK Chrysalis); Come Together re-recorded by Ike & Tina Turner (this picture sleeve is a French re-release [UNITED ARTISTS RECORDS UP 35.880, 1975]; Get Back [new topic to come] by Rod Stewart at the end of 1976 (Warner Bros.) - Some other songs included in this DLP : She's Leaving Home by Bryan Ferry; Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight by The Bee Gees; Yesterday by David Essex; Getting Better by Status Quo; We Can Work It Out by The Four Seasons; Strawberry Fields Forever by Peter Gabriel; A Day In The Life by Frankie Valli...Some lyrics are slightly altered from the copyright work to "meet the artistic requirements of the performers".

05/09/2012

June 1964: Ferry (b. Sept.26, 1945, Washington, Durham, UK), having won tickets from Radio Luxembourg, to see Bill Haley & His Comets at the Empire theater, Sunderlmand, Tyne & Wear, in his teens, forms his first band, The Banshees, in Sunderland...

Oct. 1973: Ferry's first solo album/vinyl LP These Foolish Things, backed by a session group which includes Roxy Music drummer Paul Thompson; Phil Manzarena, guitar and other musicians i.a. John Porter, gtr, bass; Eddie Jobson, strings, keyboards, synthesizer. This LP record includes a great cover of The Beatles' You Won't See Me and is released by Island ILPS 9249-1 which is certified gold on 1 May 1974 and then by Polydor 2302 046 in 1973 as well.

28/08/2012

March 1981 : a 3 live-tracks recorded with John Lennon on Nov.28, 1974, is released as a tribute, makes UK #40 (Whatever gets you thru the night, Lucy in the sky with diamonds, I saw her standing there).

On Thanksgiving Night, Lennon makes what will be his final concert appearance at New York's Madison Square Garden joining Elton John to sing the 3 said songs (released as a 7" maxi 33 rpm single in UK [DJS 10965]). Also released in France as a 33 rpm on DJM - VOGUE 101440. Other releases in Germany : 0064.230, 1975; 27379-7, 1976. Italy : DJF 1149, 1976.

21/08/2012

David Cassidy (b. Keith Partridge, April 12, 1950, New York, NY), son of actor Jack Cassidy and stepson of actress Shirley Jones, with a part on Broadway in "The Fig Leaves Are Falling" and small TV drama roles in i.a. "Bonanza", "The FBI", "Ironside".

Oct. 70 : The Partridge Family signs to Bell Records.

Aug. 10, 1974 : a revival of Lennon/McCartney's Please Please Me ("The Beatles wrote the soundtrack to my youth" is Keith's most notable quote of the time) climbs to UK #16.

18/08/2012

Let it be (US TOP #17, May, 1970) and Eleanor Rigby (US R'n'B #5 and Pop #17, Nov.15, 1969) are taken from the album/LP This Girl's In Love With You (US TOP 100 #17) which is released in the late 1969.

22/06/2012

Left to right : US album #11 in Nov. 1969; US single A&M 1147, 11/1969 : Feb. 7, 1970 : this song reaches US #30 and earns a gold disk. The album which includes i.a. She Came In Through The Bathroom Window, Something, Let It Be is the last one featuring The Grease Band.

Other single references : GER Deutsche Grammophon Polydor 59 386, 11/1969; NL EMI Stateside 5 C 006-91012 M is released on Jan.2, 1970 and reaches the NL chart #18 the same month. Unissued in the UK.

French Joe Cocker! LP on EMI Stateside 2 C 062-90788, 1970.

Biography pt 3 : when Cocker returns to the UK he no longer has a recording contract, so takes up his Gas Board job again and plays only an occasional local gig. The Big Blues splits and Joe teams with Chris Stainton to write and record Marjorine and form The Grease Band in the course of 1964.

1965 : The Grease Band, with Cocker on vocals, Stainton on bass, Tommy Eyre on keys, Kenny Slade on drums and Alan Spenner and Henry McCullough both on guitars, play soul material in clubs and pubs across the North of England. Its first recording, a live version of blues standard "Saved", is on a a free flexidisk with the Sheffield University magazine TWIKKER...To be continued...